Queso Dip Ground Beef Peppers

The first time I made this queso dip, it disappeared in under ten minutes at a Super Bowl party. My friend Sarah actually asked if there was a secret ingredient, and I had to explain it was just the perfect ratio of beef to cheese. Now it is the only dip I bother bringing to gatherings because people start asking about it weeks in advance.

Last winter my roommate and I stayed in during a snowstorm with a batch of this dip and way too many tortilla chips. We ended up eating straight from the skillet while watching movies, and it became our cozy weather tradition ever since.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The 80/20 ratio gives you enough fat to carry all those spices without needing extra oil
• Yellow onion: Finely diced so it practically melts into the cheese mixture
• Red and green bell peppers: These add sweetness that balances the rich cheese
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes a huge difference over powder
• Jalapeño peppers: Deseed them if you want mild, leave seeds for extra heat
• Cumin: This gives the dip its signature Tex-Mex flavor profile
• Chili powder: Use a good quality chili powder for the best color and taste
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness that makes people wonder what your secret is
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Shred it yourself because pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that make it grainy
• Monterey Jack: This melts beautifully and complements the sharp cheddar
• Cream cheese: The key to getting that restaurant-style smooth texture
• Whole milk: Helps thin the cheese mixture just enough for dipping

Instructions

Brown the beef:

Cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with your spoon until it is browned all the way through, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if there is a lot pooling in the pan.

Add the vegetables:

Toss in the diced onion, red and green bell peppers, and jalapeño. Sauté everything for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion looks translucent.

Bloom the spices:

Stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let this cook for just 1 minute until the spices become fragrant and coat everything evenly.

Make the base:

Turn the heat down to medium-low and add the cubed cream cheese along with the milk. Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture looks smooth and combined.

Add the shredded cheese:

Gradually sprinkle in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, while stirring constantly. Continue until all the cheese has melted and the dip is creamy and uniform.

Keep it warm:

Either leave the dip on the lowest heat setting or transfer it to a slow cooker set to warm so it stays at the perfect consistency for serving.

Garnish and serve:

Top with fresh cilantro, diced tomato, and sliced green onions if you want extra color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite dippers while it is hot and bubbling.

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My nephew now requests this queso for every family gathering, and watching him scrape the bottom of the serving bowl has become the best compliment I could ask for.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in ground turkey or chicken when I want something lighter, and the result is still incredibly satisfying. The key is adjusting your spices slightly because leaner meat needs more help building flavor.

Serving Suggestions That Work

Beyond tortilla chips, I have discovered that warm naan bread, crispy baguette slices, or even bell pepper boats make excellent vessels for this cheese dip. My kids actually scoop it up with carrot sticks when they are feeling healthy-ish.

Make Ahead Magic

You can fully prepare this queso up to two days before your event and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove with an extra splash of milk to bring back that perfectly dippable consistency.

• Stir frequently while reheating to prevent the cheese from separating
• If the dip seems too thick after refrigeration, add milk one tablespoon at a time
• The flavors actually develop and get better after sitting overnight

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Whether it is game day or just a random Tuesday, this queso dip has a way of making any gathering feel like a celebration.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the dip creamy when reheating?

Gently reheat over low heat and add a splash of milk as needed to restore the smooth, creamy texture without overcooking.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness?

Yes, keep seeds in jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat; omit jalapeños to keep it mild.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey or chicken work great as lighter alternatives that still blend well with the cheese and spices.

→ What sides pair well with this dip?

Tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh vegetable sticks complement the creamy, savory dip perfectly.

→ Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, as long as gluten-free dippers are served, the dish itself contains no gluten ingredients.